Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Leicester - Premier League
By Max Parsons
Steven Gerrard will hope to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon when Aston Villa host Leicester in the Premier League.
The Villans tasted defeat for the first time under Gerrard last time out, although they pushed Manchester City to the wire in what was a narrow 2-1 loss. That came after consecutive wins over Brighton and Crystal Palace, which have lifted the club to 13th in the table.
Victory on Sunday could potentially see Gerrard's side leapfrog Leicester in the table - the Foxes have underperformed somewhat this season under Brendan Rodgers and sit 10th.
Here's how Gerrard could set his side up, likely without the injured Leon Bailey.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Emi Martinez (GK) - Will be hoping for just a second clean sheet in nine Premier League outings.
Matty Cash (RB) - Has been such a consistent performer since his move from the Championship and is in line for a 15th consecutive league start.
Ezri Konsa (CB) - Konsa has played every minute since Gerrard walked through the door and, following a good display against City, should be set for another start.
Tyrone Mings (CB) - Was colossal last time out and has generally looked stronger in recent weeks - will skipper the side.
Matt Targett (LB) - Was forced off with a head injury in midweek but should be ready to feature once more at the weekend.
2. Midfielders
John McGinn (CM) - Seems tailor-made for Gerrard's tenacious, workhorse and intense style of play. Will of course continue in that Villa midfield.
Marvelous Nakamba (CM) - Another player that suits the new boss' ideology, Nakamba has been brilliant at keeping up the energy and aggressive press recently.
Douglas Luiz (CM) - Jacob Ramsey should be fit to start on Sunday but, after a very impressive performance against City, Luiz deserves another start here.
3. Forwards
Emi Buendia (RW) - Wasn't electric in midweek but, with a few injury issues at the top of the pitch, Gerrard's hand will be somewhat forced.
Ollie Watkins (ST) - Having put in another excellent display on Wednesday, in which he notched his third goal in five Premier League games, Watkins will continue to lead the line in Danny Ings' absence.
Ashley Young (LW) - Leon Bailey disappointingly picked up another injury against City last time out so Ashley Young, who took his place on the night, could be drafted in from the start.